asked the Minister of Health what is the total amount of advances made, to the last available date, under Section 6 of the Building Materials and Housing Act, 1945; by how many housing authorities advances have been made; and in respect of how many houses.

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

May I ask the Minister whether, before these advances are made, permission is secured first from the Treasury, and what is the good of his making advances in view of the ever-depreciating value of the £ sterling?

rose—

Would the Minister mind sitting down? I have not finished.

The hon. Member's supplementary question did not arise out of his original Question.